TeamWalk for CancerCare
Save-the-date: May 31, 2020 at LeLacheur Park
TeamWalk for CancerCare has a new Honorary Chair for its 21st annual event, but she’s a familiar face to hospital fundraising efforts.
Carrie Meikle, a longtime member of the Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary, takes the TeamWalk baton from Pat Crane, a former Lowell General executive who helped found the event more than 20 years ago.
Meikle is the wife of Eric Meikle, MD, Chief of Pediatrics for Lowell General Hospital, but her bond to the hospital grew even more this past year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She is now cancer free, and she credits the Cancer Center physicians, nurses and staff for providing incredible care, close to home.
In her role as Honorary Chair, she will serve as an ambassador for TeamWalk over the next year and play a lead role at this year’s event.
“I am honored to take a lead role in this year’s TeamWalk and do my part to support cancer patients and cancer care in the Merrimack Valley,” Carrie Meikle said. “Cancer turns your life upside down. There is so much else that is disrupted by your treatment and how it makes you feel. TeamWalk helps patients deal with the collateral damage.”
Last year was the first time TeamWalk was held at the ballpark, and it proved to be a big success as walkers spread out on the field and in the stands, despite some rain during the walk. When the books closed on the 20th annual TeamWalk on September 30, the official tally was $832,277.
Each spring since 2000, TeamWalk has brought together thousands of Merrimack Valley residents to walk the streets of downtown Lowell to raise money and support local cancer patients. Many of these patients are undergoing treatment at Lowell General Hospital's Cancer Center, which recently celebrated its own 20th anniversary in September 2018.
The event has come a long way since the first event, which started at Lowell General Hospital's main campus and had hundreds of walkers, not thousands.
Since its inception in 2000, TeamWalk for CancerCare has raised more than $13 million that has directly helped more than 32,000 patients. TeamWalk funds make a difference by paying for medications, nutritional supplements, wigs, and prostheses, support groups, skilled nursing visits, transportation, mini-grant, and supportive services to patients with all cancer types.
To sign up for this event, visit our website, where you will also find a listing of the many parties, events and fundraisers that take place year-round to raise money for this great cause.